“Laurie, I wanted to update you on my job news. After speaking with you, I opened my LinkedIn to recruiters, and someone contacted me. Long story short, that led to a 6-week interview process for a job I never thought I was qualified for … and what do you know…I got the job!

…You were the first in a series of events that felt like breadcrumbs leading me on my way.

Thank you for your wisdom and encouragement! You are great at what you do!”

Reading this, I was reminded of the ripple effect that even small gestures of guidance and encouragement can have. Sometimes, all it takes is one conversation, one nudge, or one idea to open a door someone didn’t even see.

Be the Breadcrumb

I don’t know about you but there have been times when I wanted to do something but was afraid. For example, get up to sing a karaoke song.

I want to do it. I love singing in my car. But this is different. This is in front of an audience. I am shaking in my boots. My head fills with thoughts like, “What if my voice quivers or I sound like crap. What if no one claps for me?”

Then a friend leans over and says, “Go sing Patsy Cline. You always sound great on Crazy.” That is all the encouragement I need to face my fears and go for it.

1 Person. 1 Breadcrumb of belief.

I do it. I sing Crazy. It is not great, but it is not bad. Plus, I get some claps!

But more than that, I feel good about myself. I feel more confident and willing to get back up there and sing another one.

Added Bonus: I now have an experience of being afraid and doing the thing anyway. I can take that breadcrumb of encouragement into my career and remind myself that I do brave things. That is who I am now.

What do career breadcrumbs look like?

The best part … being the breadcrumb is simple.

In careers, this often looks like:

• Listening deeply to someone’s aspirations and doubts.
• Encouraging them to take action even if it feels scary.
• Sharing resources or connections that might help them explore new paths.
• Celebrating small wins along the way to build confidence.

A few words of encouragement and showing that you believe in someone can go a long way.

Each time you share wisdom, make an introduction, or simply affirm someone’s ability, you are building someone’s belief in themselves.

Your breadcrumbs inspire courage, create possibility, and sometimes, they are the start of a chain of events that lead someone to their next big opportunity.

Perhaps a spot on the Voice (a girl can dream 😊).

Try This: As you go through your day ask yourself, “How might I be a breadcrumb in someone’s career today?”

Leave a trail behind you!